Richard Dawkins: Answer My Questions Please.

[saeedalyousuf]

Questions posted on Aug 18, 2009 on Richard Dawkins.net, still not answered by Richard Dawkins:

>> S1:
What is the real objective of the human life?

S2:
Who can guarantee future existence of the universe and the human life other than the creator of the universe?

S3:
Can you seriously and honestly believe in the non-guaranteed future?

S4:
Why should any one truly devote and commit himself to a non-guaranteed future?

S5:
Is it possible for any one that you know to create any functional unit of the universe, i.e., from atoms to galaxies and from viruses to human beings, without knowledge, planning and work?

S6:
The Jews, the Christians and the Muslims are the living testimony for the works of the prophets, Mosses, Jesus and Muhammad which was demonstrated by challenging and eliminating the mightiest empires of their times i.e., the empires of the Pharaohs, the Romans, the Byzantinians and the Persians; besides establishing belief in the eternal creator of the universe. What comparable works did the atheists do to prove the credibility of atheism? <<

The questions were posted under the topic:

“The Six Questions For Richard Dawkins”


Saeed H H Alyousuf.

 

[Hugo]

Questions posted on Aug 18, 2009 on Richard Dawkins.net, still not answered by Richard Dawkins:
S1: What is the real objective of the human life?
S2: Who can guarantee future existence of the universe and the human life other than the creator of the universe?
S3: Can you seriously and honestly believe in the non-guaranteed future?
S4: Why should any one truly devote and commit himself to a non-guaranteed future?
S5: Is it possible for any one that you know to create any functional unit of the universe, i.e., from atoms to galaxies and from viruses to human beings, without knowledge, planning and work?
S6: The Jews, the Christians and the Muslims are the living testimony for the works of the prophets, Mosses, Jesus and Muhammad which was demonstrated by challenging and eliminating the mightiest empires of their times i.e., the empires of the Pharaohs, the Romans, the Byzantinians and the Persians; besides establishing belief in the eternal creator of the universe. What comparable works did the atheists do to prove the credibility of atheism? <<

Can we assume that YOU know the answers, if so let us hear them please?

 

[Al-Indunisiy]

To atheists those questions are irrelevant. So, I vote none of the above.

I predict the standard atheist answers are as follows:

S1: None. The purpose of life is dependent upon each individuals' goals and aspirations, there is no ultimate cosmic goal to them.

S2: No one. The future is uncertain.

S3: Yes, they do.

S4: (I can't predict this one. Wait until an atheist replies.)

S5: To most atheists the universe is impersonal. (Including Buddhists like Trumble)

S6: They don't need to. Atheism is not a system of belief/ideology, it is merely a belief/idea. To them, the rise of the Judaic kingdom, Christian and Muslim empires are merely dynamics of history just like the Mongol empire, Srivijaya, Majapahit, The Third Reich, the French Revolution, and The USSR.

 

[جوري]

Can we assume that YOU know the answers, if so let us hear them please?

were you able to get through elementary school without atomoxetine or did you assign your teachers homework because you couldn't find a meaningful response to their questions?

all the best

 

[Pygoscelis]

To atheists those questions are irrelevant. So, I vote none of the above.

I predict the standard atheist answers are as follows:

S1: None. The purpose of life is dependent upon each individuals' goals and aspirations, there is no ultimate cosmic goal to them.

S2: No one. The future is uncertain.

S3: Yes, they do.

S4: (I can't predict this one. Wait until an atheist replies.)

S5: To most atheists the universe is impersonal. (Including Buddhists like Trumble)

S6: They don't need to. Atheism is not a system of belief/ideology, it is merely a belief/idea. To them, the rise of the Judaic kingdom, Christian and Muslim empires are merely dynamics of history just like the Mongol empire, Srivijaya, Majapahit, The Third Reich, the French Revolution, and The USSR.

Very well done. That is precisely how I'd answer those questions. They are rather meaningless questions to me.

As for S4 - Why should any one truly devote and commit himself to a non-guaranteed future?

As opposed to killing oneself and not committing oneself to that future? This question makes the least sense of all.

 

[Hugo]

>> S1:What is the real objective of the human life?

To enjoy life and add to it something of value. To explore nature and the human condition, to ask any question and pursue knowledge. Incidentally, Richard Dawkins said in a TV interview with Paxman that "we are all here for a purpose"

S2: Who can guarantee future existence of the universe and the human life other than the creator of the universe?

No one and all we know about existence is that it always comes to and end sooner or later even the Bible says that the Universes will be folded up like a garments.

S3:Can you seriously and honestly believe in the non-guaranteed future?

It is not a matter of belief about what the future might hold since it will have no bearing on the future itself. If you are happy to guarantee that I will live till I'm 99 or win the lottery or even guarantee my place in heaven if it exits I will be delighted.

S4:Why should any one truly devote and commit himself to a non-guaranteed future?

Since the future is unknown it can hardly be guaranteed so the question has a deficit of logic. I don't know what I will know tomorrow or what anyone else will know tomorrow - if you do tell us so that we can have tomorrow inventions and discoveries today

S5: Is it possible for any one that you know to create any functional unit of the universe, i.e., from atoms to galaxies and from viruses to human beings, without knowledge, planning and work?

No one knows the answer to this, string theory for example suggests that something can come from nothing.

S6:The Jews, the Christians and the Muslims are the living testimony for the works of the prophets, Mosses, Jesus and Muhammad which was demonstrated by challenging and eliminating the mightiest empires of their times i.e., the empires of the Pharaohs, the Romans, the Byzantinians and the Persians; besides establishing belief in the eternal creator of the universe. What comparable works did the atheists do to prove the credibility of atheism?

Its a comforting idea is it to you to regard 'eliminating' a whole culture or civilization as a proof of credibility whilst to any one with a hint of humanity will see it as oppression and greed. Comparable works of course are Stalinist purges, Pol pots massacres, etc

 

[glo]

As for S4 - Why should any one truly devote and commit himself to a non-guaranteed future?

As opposed to killing oneself and not committing oneself to that future? This question makes the least sense of all.

I understand that question to mean 'Why should anybody subscribe to and live according to a theology/dogma/way of life, if there is no complete proof or assurance that the desired outcome with really happen?'
With regards to Islam it probably also refers to the concept that a Muslim never knows whether s/he has been good enough to be allowed entry into Jannah.

 

[Ramadhan]

With regards to Islam it probably also refers to the concept that a Muslim never knows whether s/he has been good enough to be allowed entry into Jannah.

As opposed to christianity concept where anyone will be accepted into paradise as long as they claim that Jesus pbuh is god?

 

[Hugo]

As opposed to christianity concept where anyone will be accepted into paradise as long as they claim that Jesus pbuh is god?

Not quite because one has to accept that Jesus died and was resurrected and repent of our many misdeeds and such belief is counted by God as righteousness, that is we don't claim any righteousness of our own and this indeed is the faith of Abraham for he also was accepted by God through faith. The point being that as a Muslim you have no assurance of heaven but the Christian does.

 

[Ramadhan]

The point being that as a Muslim you have no assurance of heaven

not quite.
When a person dies as a muslim ( that is, accept that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger), then they all will eventually go to jannah/heaven, although some will go straight to heaven and some will have to go the hell first, depending on what they did when they were alive on earth.
hence justice will be served.

Not quite because one has to accept that Jesus died and was resurrected and repent of our many misdeeds and such belief is counted by God as righteousness, that is we don't claim any righteousness of our own and this indeed is the faith of Abraham for he also was accepted by God through faith. The point being that as a Muslim you have no assurance of heaven but the Christian does.

I see.
So you are now 100% certain that you will go straight to heaven when you die?

 

[glo]

As opposed to christianity concept where anyone will be accepted into paradise as long as they claim that Jesus pbuh is god?

Not quite because one has to accept that Jesus died and was resurrected and repent of our many misdeeds and such belief is counted by God as righteousness, that is we don't claim any righteousness of our own and this indeed is the faith of Abraham for he also was accepted by God through faith. The point being that as a Muslim you have no assurance of heaven but the Christian does.

Naidamar, I think it is more complicated than assuming that anybody who "claims that Jesus is God" will be assured salvation.
As Hugo says, it is important that we repent of our sins too.
I think there is also an expectation that our faith in and love for God is reflected in our attitudes and behaviour. ("As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." - James 2:25-26)

This is a topic for another discussion, I am sure - but Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."(John 14:5-7)
I think that might mean different things to different people.

However, it certainly means that Jesus gave us all through his death and resurrection the opportunity to return to God and gain salvation. That opportunity is there for each and everyone of us.
We are free to choose, and God will be our judge. (After all, as Muslims put it so beautifully God knows best)

* * *​

Anyway, this discussion belongs elsewhere and my intention was not to argue the Christian vs Muslim perception of salvation.

In answer to Pygo's question I was trying to consider how the writer of the original questions may have meant question S4.
If he is a Muslim (which I am assuming he is), then he would have almost certainly taken into account the fact that Muslims follow their faith and religion without even having the assurance that they will enter Jannah.
Do you agree?

 

[جوري]

Naidamar, I think it is more complicated than assuming that anybody who "claims that Jesus is God" will be assured salvation.
As Hugo says, it is important that we repent of our sins too.

I thought God loves everyone in Christianity? How can he love everyone and then dam n them to the abyss?

 

[glo]

I believe God does love everybody. He loves his entire creation - why else would he have created it?
But loving us doesn't mean he will not judge us and deal without according to his righteousness.

After all, I love my children - but that doesn't mean I let them do what they like or I don't punish them when necessary ...

How does Islam view God?
Does he love some people and hate others?

(I really think we should start another thread, if we want to continue this conversation. This thread is about Richard Dawkins and the atheist perspective in particular. Salvation according to Christianity has nothing to do with it ...
Do you fancy starting a new thread?)

 

[جوري]

I believe God does love everybody. He loves his entire creation - why else would he have created it?

I can't speak for the standards of your god, but certainly loving doesn't reconcile with the picture you afore mentioned. Unless you have a different definition of love?

But loving us doesn't mean he will not judge us and deal without according to his righteousness.

How can loving us equal to eternal dam nation? seems irreconcilable.

After all, I love my children - but that doesn't mean I let them do what they like or I don't punish them when necessary ...

You'd punish them with death and burning and unending pain over and over and no chance of repentance for all eternity? I believe you'd have social services at your door in a blink with you in a mental institution if not put to death and your children in a foster home for being an unfit mother.. certainly there will be no pretenses on love then!

How does Islam view God?

You have been here long enough, perhaps you should read more and dispense with ignorance less?

Does he love some people and hate others?

God doesn't love evil or evil doers that is for sure!

(I really think we should start another thread, if we want to continue this conversation. This thread is about Richard Dawkins and the atheist perspective in particular. Salvation according to Christianity has nothing to do with it ...
Do you fancy starting a new thread?)

Such a thread already exists!
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover-islam/134295959-islam-does-god-love-everybody.html

hence my conundrum really.. Everyday something else hypocritical and unusual crops about your religion!

all the best

 

[Ramadhan]

Naidamar, I think it is more complicated than assuming that anybody who "claims that Jesus is God" will be assured salvation.
As Hugo says, it is important that we repent of our sins too.
I think there is also an expectation that our faith in and love for God is reflected in our attitudes and behaviour. ("As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." - James 2:25-26)

This is a topic for another discussion, I am sure - but Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."(John 14:5-7)
I think that might mean different things to different people.

However, it certainly means that Jesus gave us all through his death and resurrection the opportunity to return to God and gain salvation. That opportunity is there for each and everyone of us.
We are free to choose, and God will be our judge. (After all, as Muslims put it so beautifully God knows best)

What you write in three paragraphs is another round of confusion, designed I think to deflect questions about the true core of christianity.

So now you are saying you are not sure if christians are accepted into heaven?

Just a moment ago I thought I heard different thing.

In answer to Pygo's question I was trying to consider how the writer of the original questions may have meant question S4.
If he is a Muslim (which I am assuming he is), then he would have almost certainly taken into account the fact that Muslims follow their faith and religion without even having the assurance that they will enter Jannah.
Do you agree?

Read again the OP carefully.

The questions were designed to be answered by atheists.

And read again the following posts after that.

If you want muslims to answer your questions, then I am sure there will be plenty of muslims here happy to do so.

 

[Ramadhan]

But loving us doesn't mean he will not judge us and deal without according to his righteousness.

So who will god (according to christians) judge?
everyone including christians? or non christians only?

and some proof to back up your opinion please.

After all, I love my children - but that doesn't mean I let them do what they like or I don't punish them when necessary ...

Do you punish and torture your children until they die?

 

[Ramadhan]

(I really think we should start another thread, if we want to continue this conversation. This thread is about Richard Dawkins and the atheist perspective in particular. Salvation according to Christianity has nothing to do with it ...
Do you fancy starting a new thread?)

You were the one who started hijacking this thread by giving your version of muslims answer to S4 while the OP wanted ATHEISTS (or at least possible answers from atheists) answer.
This is in your post #7

 

[AlwaysIslam]

Yep! Allah is going to fix a limit for Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) to admit people from hell into heaven. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) will admit people into heaven from hell 3 times and each time he is only allowed to bring a certain limit. The 4th time the Prophet (PBUH) will come back to Allah and say "None remains in Hell but those whom the Qur'an has imprisoned in hell, and who have been destined to an eternal stay in Hell."-Sahih-Al-Bukhari
So as long as you die believing that there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (PBUH) is his last and final messenger, you will eventually go to heaven at some point.

not quite.
When a person dies as a muslim ( that is, accept that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger), then they all will eventually go to jannah/heaven, although some will go straight to heaven and some will have to go the hell first, depending on what they did when they were alive on earth.
hence justice will be served.

 

[glo]

You were the one who started hijacking this thread by giving your version of muslims answer to S4 while the OP wanted ATHEISTS (or at least possible answers from atheists) answer.
This is in your post #7

With all due respect, naidamar, but I was trying to clarify what the original question S4 meant, as Pygo (who IS an atheist) did not seem to be sure:

As for S4 - Why should any one truly devote and commit himself to a non-guaranteed future?

As opposed to killing oneself and not committing oneself to that future? This question makes the least sense of all.

I was trying to be helpful, that's all.
If you read carefully you'll notice that I didn't answer the questions (although I do not see the OP stipulating anywhere that only atheists are allowed to answer the question. Al-Indunisiy and Hugo both did, and neither of them are atheists), instead I was trying to clarify what it meant.

I meant no criticism of Islam. I have learned from posts in this forum that no Muslim would ever claim to be assured entry into Jannah - therefore Muslims follow Islam without ever being guaranteed paradise (which is what question S4 is referring to)
Am I wrong?
Do you disagree with that view?

My post #7 was perfectly on track.
I don't think this thread was taken off topic until you wrote the following post. That's where we left the atheist's view and moved onto salvation in Christianity:

As opposed to christianity concept where anyone will be accepted into paradise as long as they claim that Jesus pbuh is god?

I agree that the topic of salvation in Christianity takes this thread off topic, hence I suggested to start a new thread if people wish to do so.
Perhaps the mods can clear up this thread a little ...

 

[Grace Seeker]

So who will god (according to christians) judge?
everyone including christians? or non christians only?

and some proof to back up your opinion please.

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable about the final judgment:

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

As I read the passage, it isn't just Christians, but all who are judged. This also addresses your other question in this thread.

As opposed to christianity concept where anyone will be accepted into paradise as long as they claim that Jesus pbuh is god?

Matthew 25 would seem to imply that such a claim would not, in and of itself, be sufficient. For instance, from a Christian point of view, I would submit that Satan recognizes Jesus as God, but that isn't going to get him into heaven. I suggest that merely making the claim by mouthing a few words is insufficient without actually putting one's trust in Jesus. Further, to really give evidence that one has put his/her trust in Jesus to save would then also imply living by God's standards for one has knowledge that one's future is secure in him.